ADRIAN, Mich., Jan. 13, 2026 – The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF), a charitable organization created by and for the community, announced that $25,000 in grants, recommended by the Lenawee YOUTH Council (LYC) and approved by the LCF board, will be awarded to 16 programs and organizations in Lenawee County for local youth-based projects.
A program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, the Lenawee YOUTH Council offers the opportunity to apply for grants up to $2,500 for local youth projects each year. These LYC grants are made possible by a $1 million grant LCF received from the Kellogg Foundation over 25 years ago with the intent to engage youth in community philanthropy. Over $1.1 million in grants and programs has been given back to the community from the endowment fund to date. This is an amazing example of the power of endowment – investing in our youth and investing in endowed funds for the future of our community!
“Each grant application is reviewed by the Lenawee YOUTH Council members for eligibility who then make recommendations to the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors,” said Paula Trentman, LCF Executive Vice President. “These young people are deeply proud of their community and the impact these grants will have throughout Lenawee County. They make their decisions thoughtfully, considering factors such as the communities each project supports and how many youth assets will be increased.”
Some of the projects funded this year through the LYC grants include Arts for All, Generations in Color: Connecting Students & Seniors Through Art, Roadmap to Graduation, T(w)een Time & Teen Advisory Board, TECH Center Build, Rake A Difference Day, Madison Strong: Character & Community, and Youth In Government.
Grant recipients include the following organizations:
- Adrian Center for the Arts
- Adrian Public Schools
- Ahimsa Safe Haven
- Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee
- Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties
- The Croswell Opera House
- Clinton Township Library
- Habitat for Humanity
- HOPE Community Center
- Housing Help of Lenawee
- Kiwanis Club of Hudson
- Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh
- Lenawee Imagination Library
- Madison High School
- Marine Toys For Tots Foundation
- Onsted Schools
“The Lenawee YOUTH Council grants truly make a difference for youth-focused organizations across Lenawee County. These grants help create opportunities, provide resources, and strengthen programs that directly impact young people,” said Bronna Kahle, President and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation.
“What makes this program so special is that it’s led by youth. The Lenawee YOUTH Council was created to educate and engage young people in philanthropy, giving them real, hands-on experience in grantmaking. They’re building leadership skills, learning how to give back, and developing a deeper connection to their community. It’s inspiring to see young people helping shape the future of Lenawee County through thoughtful and meaningful grantmaking,” Kahle said. “When we invest in our youth, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.”
About the Lenawee YOUTH Council:
The Lenawee YOUTH Council (LYC) is a Lenawee Community Foundation program dedicated to providing young individuals in Lenawee County (ages 12-21) a space in which they can participate in community service projects, collaborate with others, and develop leadership skills. Meetings are held on a bi-weekly schedule on Mondays at the Lenawee Community Foundation office or online via Zoom. Lenawee YOUTH Council welcomes all youth throughout Lenawee County, ages 12-21, and is always open to new members.
About the Lenawee Community Foundation:
The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.
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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, (517) 263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com